Ashtabula High School - Dart Yearbook (Ashtabula, OH)

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26 THE DART It is twilight. The shades ol evening are softly stealing thru the sky, and with them come tender recollections up the vista ol my years. The evening of my life is near at hand, and my thoughts are with the past—what a happy, fruitful past it has been! I have lived to see the things at which I scoffed come true; to see the youthful jests or aims become realized ambitions. But w ait—I shall light the reading lamp and thru the medium of faithfully recorded events, take you back over some of the happiest events. I think that of my early days I’ll choose the day of our Senior picnic to tell of first. 1 he day was an ideal June day, one of those hazy lazy, brilliant days, the brassy sunshine penetrating even leafy woods. We were romping thru the woods like Indians let loose, when someone discovered a spring, and close beside it a heap of wood that later proved to be the abode of a gypsy fortune-teller. Our noisy approach brought her eagerly to the door, and she was soon among us, asking if w-e want know what goin’ happen to us. We laughed and joked a while but before long some of the more curious gave in, and she was busy at her task and we quieted, for suddenly her words became significant and precious. F irst, she chose John, and, peering intently at his palm and face, she said, I see a tall, gaunt President, a man greatly loved by all his people; they call him Old Abe; you have his attributes and will follow in his footsteps, your career guarded over by an auburn-haired wife whose ambitions know no bounds. 1 hen to Clifton: A group of men they call a ‘Cabinet’; you are Secretary of the War Department, but your aim is Peace; and to Jane, A busy newspaper office, reporters, workers, rushing to ar.d fro at your command. Here Homer’s impatience demanded the gypsy’s attention, and she turned to him; The oilfields have been productive; you are known as Oil King;” to Marguerite Klumph, For you a work you love, a bright and busy kindergarten. Fay Sweet’s turn came next: “A surgeon of the highest possible acclaim, a name written large in the mind of the Future, and to Bernard: “And yours that of a psychologist of world-wide fame. Here Frank Eddy interrupted and she looked at him and spoke in dubious fashion: “Before you stretches a perilous race course, but your title, ‘Daredevil Racer’, has not been applied in vain.” Howard Nazor, her next objective, received her ultimatum with eagerness, You’ll hold a seat in the Supreme Court of your nation; your counseling is wise and good; “and you, to Marguerite, for you I see a gray-walled cloister in France, across the sea; the name of Mother Superior Elise is known afar. Then Tony caught her eye: Your mission takes you back, a diplomat to your own beloved land, and she swung on Clara: Your career reaches its zenith in the place of Dean at Bryn Mawr College; passing on to Edith Aunger: Your place upon her faculty is professor of German. Your name, pausing at Mabel, is blazoned on the theatres, ‘premiere danseuse’. Then picking up Lina’s hands, she exclaimed, I or such capable hands, only a name as surgical nurse could serve to hold their never dying reputation. Lola’s amused beam interrupted her there, and she told her, with a suspicious glare, Your way lies over hidden roads, as an Writ. tljiji b thr mb of a prrfrrt bag; iElir rub of a toururg. too,'

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T II E I) A R T 25 different from the others. Atropos told them the class had organized again and the students realized that this year meant business. They all worked earnestly. Their number was smaller, but still enough to deserve the name of “Juniors' . Some students contributed to the “Dart,” for the class stood high in regard to literary ability. Everyone was shown a little more consideration. Seniors noticed them, even talked with them. Some even came to their first and Junior party. The school weeks went by all too quickly. A few slacked up in their studies after the first semester, but not many were hopless. I he big social idea now was the Junior-Senior Reception. Ah—that night of all nights the Juniors proved they were royal entertainers. Soon Commencement time for the Seniors came. The Junior girls ushered and others decorated the theater-box so tastefully that it satisfied everyone. This night ended up the much dreaded work of the third year, which did not equal its reputation. Just at this time the little boy grew tired of blowing bubbles and threw down his clay pipe. But just a tiny bubble oozed out of the stem of the pipe and with much struggling broke away, floating in the direction of the others. It grew to be a beauty. The colors were wonderful and yet mysterious. All three goddesses gathered around it. Instinctively they knew something of the unusual could be seen in this one. They saw that the class of 16 was diminished. 1 his year was their last one. But it was a good year. So much depended on them. I heir literary society must be the very best. 1 hey were watched closely by Freshmen who were awed. They were the least of the Sophomore’s troubles and the only stone in the path of the Juniors. Prominent lecturers talked to them. 1 hey did not have much time for social affairs, so much outside work was brought in. I heir debating team was organized with a good reputation to back them, for had they not won from the Seniors of last year’s class? The Clytean Club met and arranged splendid programs. The Senior boys starred in athletics. But after January there was a slight tendency to fall below the usual standard of work, but everyone had his warning. Several times the Seniors lost their dignity; for instance on “class day, everyone wore the class colors in the most outrageous manner, with a view to attracting attention, which was most speedily accomplished. W hen the first of April came, it brought the delightful task of moving into the new building. Now the goddesses pressed more closely to this magic mirror. They admired the graceful lines of this wonderful building and were glad that the class of ’ I 6 would be able to graduate here. Now everything came in a rush. One grand finale and everything was ended. I he Seniors were entertained informally by the Juniors and were given an unique program. The debating teams met with success every place. 1 he Senior play was presented with great excitement on the part of the Seniors. Now the next thing was Commencement, the acme of the four years. All over with now. Yes, 'tis true, but pity tis, tis true. So this last beautiful bubble slowly ascended and danced out on the blue waves closely followed by Lachesis and Clotho. 1 hey both kept Atropos, the inevitable, at her distance, in this way, guarding the fate of the Class of 1916. I alk about being hungry— I was as hungry as a bear. So walking into a dairy lunch, I ate off the arm of a chair. — Widow. Mr. Gibler (at Senior Play rehearsal): Now why can’t you girls laugh? Look down here at me and try it. (Could they laugh? Well you look at him and see if you can help it.) Algebraic equivalent of zero— I was in a pawn broker’s shop the other day, and altho it was crowded with fellow beings, a wave of unalterable loan someness seemed to overtake • • me.

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THE DA RT 27 international spy; your risks will be great;” while you,” indicating George Potter, will be a renowned civil engineer, a builder of bridges and dams. Harry Williams strolled up. a gleam of determination in his eyes, and she turned with, Your line of steamships will be the finest in the world; the best cargo that they carry will be the Golden Packard, built by this man, f ord,” and at her gesture David straightened up with pride. I ler eyes rested thoughtfully on Faye Hawks. I believe you will like your work, yes, your ambition shall be realized; you will be matron of the largest orphanage in the States.” At this point Nora came to view. Your name is show'n in blazing letters ‘Golden Alto of the Opera House,’ she passed on to Claire Hughes; And you, as conductor of the Harmonic Orchestra, shall reap the fruits of your training.” It was lunch time but no one knew it or cared, for her words were far too important. Those whose futures had been told gathered breathlessly around, while those who had yet to learn theirs, crowded to her side. Lulu Bixler came next: Your ambition is to own and conduct a Beauty Parlor? Very well, your chance will come when you are twenty-two.” In Harriet’s palm she saw a career as an artist of rare ability; in Arthur’s, success as a banker; in Louis William’s the making of a most excellent scientific farmer. Margaret Westfall accepted her fortune of a foreign missionary, faithful and good. quite philosophically; Ruth Landon was to be a suffrage orator and Charlotte Grover the head of the International Lecture Bureau. Elizabeth Nelson was to be a fashionable modiste, whose gowns were worn and greatly advertised by Gladys Squires, the celebrated Shakespearian actress and Mora Munson, the movie actress, who had captivated audiences the world over. She turned and took Kathleen’s hand and said softly,”You can best go about your mission beautifying the road along which you pass, by following the course of a landscape gardener;” Trances Edson approached her timidly and she learned that she was destined to remain a librarian in Ashtabula, until her marriage. Hazel Swedenborg’s uncle was to leave her a million and a half dollars with which to found and maintain a girl’s school in Sweden; Dorothy Palmer’s ambition of becoming domestic art and science instructor atSmith was to become a reality; Gertrude Wessman’s studio for musical instruction to be the center of artistic genius. Ida’s bright young face came before her next and the old gypsy turned to her and smiled: When you have been selected chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, a disappointed rival will try in vain to oust you. John Green, angry at being delayed, began to expostulate and she silenced him with a calm air; I could not place you at first. I have found your star, you shall be the head of the I reasury Department under your distinguished classmate; and you,’ this to Graham Ridgen, may hold a government position as electrical supervisor of coastal equipments ’’ Ernest Scovil’s patience was at last rewarded with, Your fame shall be spread far as an inventor of mechanical toys that satisfy beyond all hopes. She paused, it seemed as though all must have received their decrees, but David Soules struggled thru the line and stood, panting, before her; ar.d she resumed her task afresh. Ah! your Detective Agency can record no failures, your methods will be too satisfactory and your book-keeper and recorder shall have her share of glory; that position is your s,” and she laid her hand on Mary Palmer's arm. Edith Burroughs stretched out her hand in silence and waited but a moment until the fortune teller said, A saleswoman, but wait — of what?—oh, there is an office here, it seems to be a real estate office, only years can reveal that. Her eyes rested on the group and she perceived two more whom she had not seen before, and she called them to her; to Hazel Torsythe she declared, Farm life is the only thing that will keep your broken health together. 1 advise a chicken farm. You must experiment and find